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  • on December 20, 2024

For Unto us a Child is Born

For unto us a child is born, for unto us a son is given… – Isaiah 9:6.

The “Christmas season” as we have come to know it, has taken on various meanings, both religious and secular. The thought of Christmas usually brings ideas of Christmas shopping, Christmas trees, photos with Santa, winter lights, family gatherings, presents, and a great deal of busyness and stress. Around December 20 – 24, we usually begin to think more of Nativity scenes, and a baby Jesus and his manger birth. We may think of loved ones who have passed, or celebrations that are incomplete without those close to us. With all the things that accompany the idea of Christmas apart from Jesus, it’s hard to think of the Christmas season and not resist the urge to sigh with discontentment.

Advent on the other hand, has sought to remain a Christ-centred time of year, and one that I’ve begun to gravitate towards more in recent years. Advent comes from the Latin a word adventus, the translation of the Greek parousia – meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘coming’. It’s a word used for both coming of Christ in human flesh and his Second coming. Instituted in the early church, written evidence of advent is found in modern Spain and Europe around the fourth century[1]. It is a period of four weeks before Christmas Day and is meant to be a time that we remember just how much God has given to us; sending the ultimate gift — his own son — for us. “For unto us a child is born, for unto us a son is given “. And with the gift of Jesus Christ, God gave so much more, and we see those in the themes of advent – hope, peace, joy and love.

Through Christ, we have been given a hope – a confident expectation that God will make all things right, all things new, all things whole, instituting a personal shalom or peace; restoring all things broken by sin and gives a joy that cannot be undone by circumstance, or emotions. All these gifts are given out of an unconditional agape love, a love that we cannot earn, a love that we cannot lose. We see the first fruits of this in Jesus Christ’s birth – “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2) and we confidently look forward to this with Christ’s return:

The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name – Zechariah 14:9

The true beauty of Advent is that we look forward to looking back at Christ’s birth and his first coming and look forward to his second coming with hope and with joy. And for the believer this is reason to celebrate.

I have gravitated more towards the idea of Advent because it has helped me to remember what truly matters. But whether you call it Advent, or Christmas – which I still do – the point is the same. We celebrate and remember we are given a gift: “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Let us not lose sight of the Christ, in Christmas.

And so, on behalf of the leadership team and our families, I wish you a wonderful Advent and Christmas season, full of hope, joy, peace, and love.

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The Benevolence Ministry provides exclusive assistance to the poor and to those in need of food, clothing, shelter, and emergency financial assistance. "The poor" is anyone who has a serious emergency need with no visible or viable means of immediate resolution. A lost job (depending on how it was lost) a burned-out home, and in some cases, a pending eviction, may all qualify as poor and in need depending upon what the background information may suggest.
Benevolence
The Benevolence Ministry provides exclusive assistance to the poor and to those in need of food, clothing, shelter, and emergency financial assistance. "The poor" is anyone who has a serious emergency need with no visible or viable means of immediate resolution. A lost job (depending on how it was lost) a burned-out home, and in some cases, a pending eviction, may all qualify as poor and in need depending upon what the background information may suggest.
Benevolence
The Community Outreach Ministry serves our local community by providing both groceries and clothing to those less fortunate. This group of volunteers is motivated to touch lives of individuals and families who find themselves in need. We believe God has uniquely gifted and called each of us to play a part in advancing His kingdom in our local community. We mobilize the people and resources of NPWC to engage our local community by equipping them to share their faith, exposing them to needs in the area through service opportunities, and connecting them to strategic partnerships who are working to advance the gospel in our area.
Community Outreach
The Community Outreach Ministry serves our local community by providing both groceries and clothing to those less fortunate. This group of volunteers is motivated to touch lives of individuals and families in need. We believe God has uniquely gifted and called each one of us to play a part in advancing His kingdom in NPWC to engage our local community by equipping them to share their faith, exposing them to needs in the area through service opportunities, and connecting them to strategic partnerships who are working to advance the gospel in our area.
Community Outreach
At North Park facility management is highly important because our facility belongs to God, and our facility care shows a level of respect. The Building Services Team is the church facility management team responsible for keeping the church building properly maintained both with day-to-day maintenance and when the church is being rented or used for community events or other large or small groups.
Building Services Team
At North Park facility management is highly important because our facility belongs to God and our facility care shows a level of respect. The Building Services Team is the church facility management team responsible for keeping the church building properly maintained both with day-to-day maintenance and when the church is being rented or used for community events or other large or small groups.
Building Services Team
The Cancer Care & Awareness Ministry seeks to educate and instill hope in the lives of the members of the North Park Worship Centre who have been touched by cancer, by providing information, empowerment, and peer support. Our goal is to serve as an advocate for our congregation during any stage of the cancer life cycle, from preventative measures, diagnosis information, treatment, and/or remission stages. Our members are cancer survivors, caregivers, and family and friends of people affected by cancer.
Cancer Care & Awareness
The Cancer Care & Awareness Ministry seeks to educate and instill hope in the lives of the members of the North Park Worship Centre who have been touched by cancer, by providing information, empowerment, and peer support. Our goal is to serve as an advocate for our congregation during any stage of the cancer life cycle, from preventative measures, diagnosis information, treatment, and/or remission stages. Our members are cancer survivors, caregivers, and family and friends of people affected by cancer.
Cancer Care & Awareness
Children’s Ministry provides age-appropriate worship services for children ages 4–12. The mission is to make available opportunities for children to praise and worship God as well as learn about God and come to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. In addition, fellowship opportunities are provided along with follow-up sermon and mission outreach activities, which are designed to promote spiritual growth of children. Children are encouraged to participate in all worship service components, including, but not limited to: scripture reading, prayers, and ushering. Services are held the first, second, and third Sunday from September to June.
Children’s Ministry
Children’s Ministry provides age-appropriate worship services for children ages 4–12. The mission is to make available opportunities for children to praise and worship God as well as learn about God and come to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. In addition, fellowship opportunities are provided along with follow-up sermon and mission outreach activities, which are designed to promote spiritual growth of children. Children are encouraged to participate in all worship service components, including, but not limited to: scripture reading, prayers, and ushering. Services are held the first, second, and third Sunday from September to June.
Children’s Ministry
Christian Education offers classes throughout the church calendar year that are biblically based, real and relevant in meeting the needs of the congregants to mature in their relationship with God and with others. The goal is to “Build disciples to win the world for Christ.”
Christian Education
Christian Education offers classes throughout the church calendar year that are biblically based, real and relevant in meeting the needs of the congregants to mature in their relationship with God and with others. The goal is to "Build disciples to win the world for Christ."
Christian Education
The Food Closet helps members and people in the community when financial struggles have left them in an emergency situation. The NPWC food closet assists individuals/families struggling with socioeconomic hardships with emergency food security. The outreach efforts are to remove the household insecurity of having insufficient or depleted food resources, primarily for children and seniors.
Food Closet
The Food Closet helps members and people in the community when financial struggles have left them in an emergency situation. The NPWC food closet assists individuals/families struggling with socioeconomic hardships with emergency food security. The outreach efforts are to remove the household insecurity of having insufficient or depleted food resources, primarily for children and seniors.
Food Closet
The mission of the Evangelism Ministry is to prepare NPWC members to become spirit-led witness of the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. The objective is to infuse evangelism into the life of the church - connecting all members of the congregation. The ministry provides regular training to equip members with biblical principles and practical tools for sharing their faith. It also serves as a resource to all ministries and discipleship groups through a network of evangelism coordinators, promoting various evangelism styles using each individual's personality to witness when opportunities arise, including the church's missions' activities and community outreach events.
Evangelism
The mission of the Evangelism Ministry is to prepare NPWC members to become spirit-led witness of the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. The objective is to infuse evangelism into the life of the church - connecting all members of the congregation. The ministry provides regular training to equip members with biblical principles and practical tools for sharing their faith. It also serves as a resource to all ministries and discipleship groups through a network of evangelism coordinators, promoting various evangelism styles using each individual's personality to witness when opportunities arise, including the church's missions' activities and community outreach events.
Evangelism
The NPWC Greeters & Hospitality Ministries ensure parishioners witness and experience God's unconditional love in the Body of Christ at NPWC. The biblical reference Hebrews 13:2: "Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it" (NLT) truly reflects their purpose. Greeters, who serve during all NPWC worship and funeral services and special events , are the first point of contact with the congregation and wholeheartedly serve in the spirit of love! Greeters help visitors form a positive first impression on all who attend and visit.
Hospitality
The NPWC Greeters & Hospitality Ministries ensure parishioners witness and experience God's unconditional love in the Body of Christ at NPWC. The biblical reference Hebrews 13:2: "Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it" (NLT) truly reflects their purpose. Greeters, who serve during all NPWC worship and funeral services and special events , are the first point of contact with the congregation and wholeheartedly serve in the spirit of love! Greeters help visitors form a positive first impression on all who attend and visit.
Hospitality
The Health-Wellness Ministry assists the membership in keeping the “temple” of God healthy for service to God by promoting an ongoing awareness of the importance of good health care through screening and other preventive measures (e.g., educational awareness and preventive programs, health fairs and seminars).
Health-Wellness
The Health-Wellness Ministry assists the membership in keeping the “temple” of God healthy for service to God by promoting an ongoing awareness of the importance of good health care through screening and other preventive measures (e.g., educational awareness and preventive programs, health fairs and seminars).
Health-Wellness
The NPWC Intercessory Prayer Ministry is committed to fostering a greater emphasis on personal and corporate prayer in the life of every believer and our church through education, training and prayer opportunities. Personal prayer and intercession are an integral part of discipleship that should undergird every aspect of who we are and what we do, our church ministries, staff, missions’ efforts, and church family. We invite anyone to join us on the first and second Saturday mornings as we pray for our church, our community, our country, nation, and world. There are also evening telephone prayer opportunities with various emphases.
Intercessory Prayer & Fasting
The NPWC Intercessory Prayer Ministry is committed to fostering a greater emphasis on personal and corporate prayer in the life of every believer and our church through education, training and prayer opportunities. Personal prayer and intercession are an integral part of discipleship that should undergird every aspect of who we are and what we do, our church ministries, staff, missions’ efforts, and church family. We invite anyone to join us on the first and second Saturday mornings as we pray for our church, our community, our country, nation, and world. There are also evening telephone prayer opportunities with various emphases.
Intercessory Prayer & Fasting
At North Park, every believer is called to do the work of ministry, but leaders must also be able to equip others to do the work of ministry. Growing in leadership means growing in responsibility to serve others through discovering their unique potential, developing it, and deploying it. The Leadership Development Ministry supports the future equipping and developing of leaders to serve God and others.
Leadership Development
At North Park, every believer is called to do the work of ministry, but leaders must also be able to equip others to do the work of ministry. Growing in leadership means growing in responsibility to serve others through discovering their unique potential, developing it, and deploying it. The Leadership Development Ministry supports the future equipping and developing of leaders to serve God and others.
Leadership Development
The purpose of the North Park Worship Centre Marriage Ministry - directed by Family Ministry - is to enrich the lives of couples and those engaged to be married to bring them to a closer and more intimate relationship with God and their spouse through biblical education, workshops, retreats, conferences, seminars, and recreational activities.
Marriage
The purpose of the North Park Worship Centre Marriage Ministry - directed by Family Ministry - is to enrich the lives of couples and those engaged to be married to bring them to a closer and more intimate relationship with God and their spouse through biblical education, workshops, retreats, conferences, seminars, and recreational activities.
Marriage
The Media/AV Team documents all worship services and special programs through video reproductions for archiving.
Media/AV
The Media/AV Team documents all worship services and special programs through video reproductions for archiving.
Media/AV
The purpose of the Men’s Ministry is to fellowship and unite the men of the church to serve as positive role models in the community, especially for potentially wayward youth.
Men's Ministry
The purpose of the Men’s Ministry is to fellowship and unite the men of the church to serve as positive role models in the community, especially for potentially wayward youth.
Men's Ministry
The Ministerial Aid Ministry provides and/or assists the pastors with whatever they need or request to carry out God’s mission of shepherding His people. The ministry also supports the pastors and ministers spiritually and emotionally through a variety of activities and services that enhance the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This ministry supports the church’s efforts in celebrating the pastor’s anniversary, birthday, and other special occasions. Overall, the Pastor’s Aid Ministry extends spiritual care to the ministers at NPWC.
Ministerial Aid Committee
The Ministerial Aid Ministry provides and/or assists the pastors with whatever they need or request to carry out God’s mission of shepherding His people. The ministry also supports the pastors and ministers spiritually and emotionally through a variety of activities and services that enhance the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This ministry supports the church’s efforts in celebrating the pastor’s anniversary, birthday, and other special occasions. Overall, the Pastor’s Aid Ministry extends spiritual care to the ministers at NPWC.
Ministerial Aid Committee
The Missions Ministry strives to fulfill and perform the duties of Matthew 25:35–36 with commitment, prayer, service, and dedication through community outreach within the church, local community and province while developing national and international partnerships. Missions is committed to Building Disciples to Win the World through our vision and mission values of NPWC: Connect, Grow, Serve.
Missions
The Missions Ministry strives to fulfill and perform the duties of Matthew 25:35–36 with commitment, prayer, service, and dedication through community outreach within the church, local community and province while developing national and international partnerships. Missions is committed to Building Disciples to Win the World through our vision and mission values of NPWC: Connect, Grow, Serve.
Missions
The Music Ministry consists of the Praise team who are responsible for providing ministry for all worship services of the church and other services outside of the physical boundaries of the church, as needed.
Music & Worship
The Music Ministry consists of the Praise team who are responsible for providing ministry for all worship services of the church and other services outside of the physical boundaries of the church, as needed.
Music & Worship
For children under the age of 3 and nursing mothers, the nursery is available during Sunday service.
Nursery
For children under the age of 3 and nursing mothers, the nursery is available during Sunday service.
Nursery
The Prayer and Visitation Ministry is an integral part of the prayer services offered by North Park Worship Centre. The ministry serves members and visitors to the church. The team may visit homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities, etc. to connect with individuals who require prayer, support, hope and encouragement.
Prayer & Visitation
The Prayer and Visitation Ministry is an integral part of the prayer services offered by North Park Worship Centre. The ministry serves members and visitors to the church. The team may visit homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities, etc. to connect with individuals who require prayer, support, hope and encouragement.
Prayer & Visitation
The committee gives scholarships to students embarking on post- secondary/graduate education. Those interested must submit an application, demonstrating community involvement and willingness to serve others.
Scholarship Committee
The committee gives scholarships to students embarking on post- secondary/graduate education. Those interested must submit an application, demonstrating community involvement and willingness to serve others.
Scholarship Committee
The purpose of the Seniors Ministry is to identify and address the spiritual, educational, personal, health, safety, and social support needs of our senior members and to reach out to seniors in the community and invite them to experience Christian fellowship at the North Park Worship Centre.
Senior's Ministry
The purpose of the Seniors Ministry is to identify and address the spiritual, educational, personal, health, safety, and social support needs of our senior members and to reach out to seniors in the community and invite them to experience Christian fellowship at the North Park Worship Centre.
Senior's Ministry
The NPWC Singles Ministry-directed by the Family Ministry- strives to create a spiritually collaborative environment for all singles ages 18 to 118, including those who have never married, single parents, and those who are widowed or divorced. It is our objective to provide opportunities to further their spiritual walk with God through seminars, prayer partnering, missions outreach and fellowship with like-minded Christians.
Single's Ministry
The NPWC Singles Ministry-directed by the Family Ministry- strives to create a spiritually collaborative environment for all singles ages 18 to 118, including those who have never married, single parents, and those who are widowed or divorced. It is our objective to provide opportunities to further their spiritual walk with God through seminars, prayer partnering, missions outreach and fellowship with like-minded Christians.
Singles Ministry
Sunday school classes give all ages the opportunity to study and discuss God’s Word. Join other disciples to learn and grow through His word.
Sunday school
Sunday school classes give all ages the opportunity to study and discuss God’s Word. Join other disciples to learn and grow through His word.
Sunday school
At North Park, Thrive Groups consist of men, women, young adults, and mixed adults, who meet at homes and online to study the Bible in more depth. Thrive Groups are a space where you get to grow in community with God and one another, using the gifts that the Lord has given you to build up the body of Christ. Groups are for everyone, at any stage of life, and every person offers a unique contribution to this smaller expression of the people of God.
Thrive Groups
At North Park, Thrive Groups consist of men, women, young adults, and mixed adults, who meet at homes and online to study the Bible in more depth. Thrive Groups are a space where you get to grow in community with God and one another, using the gifts that the Lord has given you to build up the body of Christ. Groups are for everyone, at any stage of life, and every person offers a unique contribution to this smaller expression of the people of God.
Thrive Groups
The Transportation Ministry serves the membership of the North Park Church by offering a safe and convenient way for them to attend our various worship services on time.
Transportation
The Transportation Ministry serves the membership of the North Park Church by offering a safe and convenient way for them to attend our various worship services on time.
Transportation
The mission of UNIT3 is to be a ministry where youth can understand the basics of their faith and the Bible, teaching what it means to have head and heart knowledge of God, allowing that to transform our lives from the inside out when they choose to give their life to him. It is where youth are developed into leaders, understanding all have gifts that can be used to glorify God. UNIT3 Youth caters to students in high school.
UNIT3 Youth Ministry
The mission of UNIT3 is to be a ministry where youth can understand the basics of their faith and the Bible, teaching what it means to have head and heart knowledge of God, allowing that to transform our lives from the inside out when they choose to give their life to him. It is where youth are developed into leaders, understanding all have gifts that can be used to glorify God. UNIT3 Youth caters to students in high school.
UNIT3 Youth Ministry
The Ushers’ primary purpose is to SERVE. The cornerstone of ushering is COMMITMENT. Our goal is to exemplify Christ and our church through our service. Our duties are simple but important and include welcoming the members of the congregation, assisting in seating, collecting, and presenting the offerings, helping in emergency situations involving safety, and assisting in the service upon request.
Ushers
The Ushers’ primary purpose is to SERVE. The cornerstone of ushering is COMMITMENT. Our goal is to exemplify Christ and our church through our service. Our duties are simple but important and include welcoming the members of the congregation, assisting in seating, collecting, and presenting the offerings, helping in emergency situations involving safety, and assisting in the service upon request.
Ushers
Vacation Bible School is a part of the Children’s Ministry and it meets the spiritual needs of the children through a week-long program, which provides worship, evangelism, equips and edifies the young within our congregation. Vacation Bible School offers a creative approach to learning the Bible and understanding Godly principles. During the summer, volunteers and children gather for activities that include high-energy praise and worship, interactive messages, skits, Bible study, devotion, recreation, game time, music class, arts and crafts. Sessions are tailored for children in elementary and middle school.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a part of the Children’s Ministry and it meets the spiritual needs of the children through a week-long program, which provides worship, evangelism, equips and edifies the young within our congregation. Vacation Bible School offers a creative approach to learning the Bible and understanding Godly principles. During the summer, volunteers and children gather for activities that include high-energy praise and worship, interactive messages, skits, Bible study, devotion, recreation, game time, music class, arts and crafts. Sessions are tailored for children in elementary and middle school.
Vacation Bible School
The Women’s Ministry is committed to inspiring each other in the faith through fellowship by building a better relationship and connection with God through His Word, supporting the spiritual growth and personal development of every woman we meet through prayer. We strive to “Make Disciples to Win the World for Christ” through unity and sisterly love.
Vibrant Women's Ministry
The Women’s Ministry is committed to inspiring each other in the faith through fellowship by building a better relationship and connection with God through His Word, supporting the spiritual growth and personal development of every woman we meet through prayer. We strive to “Make Disciples to Win the World for Christ” through unity and sisterly love.
Vibrant Women's Ministry
The Virtual Reading Program is sponsored by the Family Ministry for students in Kindergarten to Grade 5. The fun and interactive read- aloud sessions feature a variety of culturally diverse books that are engaging and are sure to spark a love of reading. It enhances comprehension, which boost self confidence and sparks the children’s imagination and creativity. Sessions are approximately one hour and are held on Zoom on Saturdays from 1-2pm, FREE of charge.
Virtual Reading Program
The Virtual Reading Program is sponsored by the Family Ministry for students in Kindergarten to Grade 5. The fun and interactive read- aloud sessions feature a variety of culturally diverse books that are engaging and are sure to spark a love of reading. It enhances comprehension, which boost self confidence and sparks the children’s imagination and creativity. Sessions are approximately one hour and are held on Zoom on Saturdays from 1-2pm, FREE of charge.
Virtual Reading Program
The Young Adult Ministry serves men and women ages 18-30. This ministry seeks to encourage and equip young adults to grow and strengthen their relationship with God as well as to help create and grow connections of young adults to the body of Christ. Young Adults Ministry serves as a resource for young adults to deepen their faith through practice by focusing on fellowship, community outreach, spiritual growth, and personal/professional development.
Young Adults
The Young Adult Ministry serves men and women ages 18-30. This ministry seeks to encourage and equip young adults to grow and strengthen their relationship with God as well as to help create and grow connections of young adults to the body of Christ. Young Adults Ministry serves as a resource for young adults to deepen their faith through practice by focusing on fellowship, community outreach, spiritual growth, and personal/professional development.
Young Adults